Men’s Track and Field Picked Fourth in Preseason Coaches’ Poll
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – On Thursday, the East Central University men's track and field team was announced by the league as the fourth-ranked team in the 2024 Great American Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll. Harding will enter as the unanimous favorite with 36 points and all five available first-place votes.
This marks the second consecutive season that the Tigers have held the fourth position following their fourth-place finish in the 2023 GAC Track & Field Championships.
Last season, the Tigers dominated in the distance events, clinching two individual titles.
Amos Pkiach secured the victory in the 10,000 meters, becoming a two-time defending GAC champion in the event, while
Aspel Kiprob claimed the top spot in the 5,000 meters in his debut season with ECU.
The men's team also saw impressive performances from
Oliver Kiptoo,
Michael Iyali, and
Miles Davis. Kiptoo placed second in the 10,000 meters and 3,000 meter steeplechase, and third in the 5,000 meter run while Iyali finished third in the 3,000 meters and Davis earned third place in the long jump with a leap of 6.86m.
To strengthen their roster for the 2024 season, the Tigers welcome nine freshmen and five transfer athletes.
The ECU men's track and field team will kick start their season on Saturday, March 23 at Cowley County Community College for the Mark A. Phillips Tiger Open.
